February is Black History Month in the United States, when we focus on the contributions people of African descent have made to this country. You can embark on a personal Bible study for Black History Month, or lead your church or small group to collectively understand the plight of a people made in God’s image, and acknowledge God’s goodness at work in their remarkable achievements. To help guide the conversations of a church group, here are five Bible verses about diversity, justice, and equality that can help frame the discussion, then five Bible studies to help you think more deeply about the important principles Black History Month spotlights.
Black History Month Bible Study Theme #1 - Recognize the image of God in every person
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27
This truth is foundational. God created all human beings in his image. Gender, skin color, and other physical differences do not change that reality.
🙋🏽 Discuss with your small group the impact of recognizing the image of God in every person.
Black History Month Bible Study Theme #2 - Seek unity with people different than you.
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. - Romans 10:12
🙋🏽 Discuss with your small group how to experience unity with people different than you.
Black History Month Bible Study Theme #3 - Root out favoritism.
God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. - Acts 10:34-35
God does not favor one person or group over another. He acknowledges the diversity of his creation, while giving equal salvation to all.
🙋🏽 Discuss with your small group where favoritism shows up and how to root it out.
Black History Month Bible Study Theme #4 -Pursue reconciliation.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. - Ephesians 2:14
🙋🏽 Discuss with your small group the powerful concept of reconciliation and how it can change your relationships.
Black History Month Bible Study Theme #5 - Become a welcoming place for all.
There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. - Revelation 7:9
🙋🏽 Discuss with your small group how to make sure your church is a safe and welcoming place for people of all races.
Discover more studies for Black History Month – or anytime of the year - on themes of racial unity, diversity, justice, and equality at Study Gateway.
Study Gateway is the place to find life-changing Bible teaching from established and emerging Black voices!
Black History Month — 5 Featured Bible Studies and Sermon Series
Black History by Pastor Elijah McDavid III
Why do we choose the problems and patterns of our past instead of the freedom that God has called us into? Drawn from the Biblical examples of Moses and Paul, Pastor McDavid’s three-part sermon series celebrates Black History Month.
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
An acclaimed, timely study of how people of faith have historically—up to the present day—worked against racial justice. In a call for urgent action by all Christians today, Jemar guides our thinking through concrete solutions.
Galatians: Accepted and Free - A Beautiful Word Bible Study - by Jada Edwards
There is certain and specific freedom in receiving our acceptance in Christ. Jada shows us that when we’re rejected, we can find security, authority, assignment, adoption, and restoration in the liberating acceptance of Christ.
Ephesians: Life in God’s Diverse Family - A 40 Days Through the Book Study - by Derwin Gray
The same Jesus who united the Jews and Gentiles, enslaved and free people, men and women, and people from every tribe and tongue some 2,000 years ago in Ephesus, is ready to do it again. Derwin addresses our world of division, conflict, and polarization from the book of Ephesians.
God and Race by Wayne Francis and John Siebeling
Racial tension is a major problem in this country, and Wayne and John are modeling the kind of open dialog the church needs to have about it.
____________
RELATED ARTICLES
3 Important Bible Lessons for Black History Month
Top 10 Verses in the Bible to Study for Black History Month
Scripture’s Motivation to Seek Racial and Ethnic Unity Right Now
Black History: Africa in the Bible
____________
LEARN MORE: WATCH THE VIDEO TRAILERS
Subscribe to Study Gateway to watch the full studies...
The Color of Compromise
Galatians with Jada Edwards
Ephesians with Derwin Gray
God and Race